African Wild Dogs

Critically endangered conservation status

The African wild dog is a critically endangered species. There are fewer than 6,500 throughout Africa.

These social animals, like all other wildlife, have their niche in the complex web of predator/prey relationships that is Africa’s ecosystem. The African wild dog is an efficient hunter who improves the quality of species by removing the sick and weak and reducing inbreeding by scattering individuals.

The Mkomazi team has reintroduced close to 180 dogs into the Mkomazi/Tsavo ecosystem. The cost of the captive breeding and translocation program is high. The cost of their loss from the ecosystem would be incalculably higher.

With your help, we are taking important steps to secure the survival of this enigmatic and ecologically important species.

A breeding program for the African wild dog has been underway for the past twenty years to reintroduce healthy wild dogs back in to wilderness areas where they will have the best chance of success.

The dogs are bred in six breeding compounds in Mkomazi National Park to maximize genetic diversity. An extensive veterinary program has helped to improve their immunity to disease. Reintroductions are planned together with Tanzanian National Parks (TANAPA) and the team at Mkomazi who has committed to providing the know-how and resources to manage the breeding programs and reintroduction of the dogs into the wild.

The cost of the captive breeding and translocation program is high. The cost of their loss from the ecosystem would be incalculably higher